Delhi High Court mandates provision of self defence classes for school girls

The Delhi High Court has mandated government schools in the Capital to provide self defence classes and training for school girls. The AAP Government has confirmed that schools girls will be given self defence training and the programme is expected to commence from the 2017-18 academic year.

The High Court was informed by the Government that school girls need training to protect themselves physically from any threat or danger. The bench of Justices Yogesh Khanna and S Ravindra Bhat felt that these self defence techniques will help girls learn how to prevent attacks and will also serve as precautionary/preventive measures. Delhi Commission for Women Chairperson Swati Maliwal, stated that there were just 50 trainers from the Delhi Police to train girls in government schools.

She asked the Government to ensure that there were a suitable number of trainers available for holding these classes. The High Court Bench also asked the Government to try and provide additional volunteers and trainers. Senior standing counsel Rahul Mehra informed that the Government will first start with government schools and private schools may also be included in the future.